“It sure is. So let’s both pray about whether you should sponsor a child. I’ll pray with you.”

The two men shook hands there in the lobby of the church. Deal.

“And let’s pray about whether you should pay for cable too.”

The man laughed.

“Well, let’s be consistent,” the pastor explained. “Thirty-eight dollars is a big commitment. So is your cable bill. I think we should pray about that too.”

How different would my life be if I prayed about every substantial investment of time and money before making it? How different might the lives of others be?

I met a man in Grand Rapids, Michigan yesterday who decided to do just that. He and his wife decided to pray about every recurring monthly expenditure. Some of these expenses were conspicuous because they left his bank account each month in one lump sum. Cable and other utilities, for instance. But other recurring expenses trickled out a few dollars here and there, but added up over time. Coffee, for example.

This man and his wife discovered they were spending $230 every month at Starbucks. They prayed and asked God if there was anything else He’d like to do with that money. And God answered. The couple began drinking $30 worth of coffee each month and giving the excess $200 to a missionary from their church serving in Bangladesh.

Should we pray before feeding the hungry or equipping a missionary or donating to church? Absolutely. But be consistent. Let’s pray before giving big to the cable company or the coffee shop too.

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Another great post, Shaun. I immediately started to pat myself on the back because we don’t have cable and don’t really feel the need to pray about sponsoring children. When God nudges, we step out in faith, trusting that He’ll provide. But then you got me at the end…praying about all monthly expenditures…this is gonna have me thinking, and hopefully praying quite a bit more.

karen

While we do “pretty well”, I know it is not enough! There are always justifications and excuses!

Tracie Ligon Collier

Oh, no.
The VERY FIRST THING that came to mind was how often I indulge in Sonic’s “Happy Hour.”
Not good, Shaun…not good.
Mindlessly (prayerlessly) spending money…also not good. In fact, very bad.
Thanks for the reminder!

http://hikingtowardhome.com/ Sharon

YES!!! so good. so much to consider.

http://bohemianbowmans.com/ Jessica

As an “overseas worker” who is currently raising the partnership team for my family’s assignment to south asia (man, that was a lot of code) – don’t think I don’t run these scenarios in my head EVERY. TIME. someone says they don’t have the wiggle room to partner with us.

It is a hard and discipline practice to stay out of the bitter zone.

http://www.kellistuart.com/ Kelli

I read this post at Starbucks. Then I choked on my Valencia Orange Refresher…

Once again, great post, Shaun. You made me pause and think. You’re good at that.

Jon

As a person who spends money recklessly sometimes, this made me feel guilty and ticked at the same time…guilty because I know it is true, ticked because I don’t like anyone making me feel guilty…but to be real and honest… most of us could sacrifice more than we do….the real question is…. are we willing the let the Spirit have His way with us….in all things